Mwijabu Computer Programme At Primary School In Mombasa

Empowering schools and communities to succeed in a global technological society

Report by Sadaf Shallwani of Kenya school improvement project

Coastweek – – The Honourable Ramadhan Seif Kajembe (Area MP)
looks on as the Canadian trainers (Aleema Jamal, Fozia Madhany,
and Aliya Haji) work with pupils on the new computers at the
Mwijabu Primary School.

Coastweek – – Imagine a school where teachers present dynamic and ‘interactive’ class lessons through multi-media technologies:

where students build their knowledge by accessing information from different sources around the world and present their findings in professional reports,

where all those involved in the education system connect with peers and colleagues in other countries to share ideas and learn from each other, and

where community members can come to access and learn about information and communication technology.

Imagine a school that lays the foundation for all its community members to function effectively in today’s rapidly changing technological society.

This is the vision for Mwijabu Primary School in Mombasa.

And, thanks to the generosity of Canadian and American donors, and the tireless efforts of those involved, this vision is starting to become a reality, through the Mwijabu Computer Programme.

It all started when Aleema Jamal, her fellow students, and the teachers at Strathcona Tweedsmuir School in Calgary (Canada) thought to put their energies together to equip a school in East Africa with computer technology.

Through the Kenya School Improvement Project (implemented by Aga Khan Education Service Kenya and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency), Mwijabu Primary School was identified as a school that could make effective use of such an initiative.

Not only does Mwijabu currently serve its own 1611 pupils, but it is also a Cluster Resource Centre, providing strong leadership and resources in school improvement for a cluster of seven neighbouring schools.

In this way, the Mwijabu Computer Programme serves seven primary schools and the larger communities in which they are based.

The teachers and students at Strathcona Tweedsmuir School raised funds and solicited donations from individuals and corporations.

Companies such as Nexen, Presentation Services, and HEI Hotels and Resorts donated computers, monitors, and an LCD projector.

A team from the school planned to come to Kenya to deliver the equipment last year, but unfortunately was unable to make the trip from Canada.

When Aleema’s family and friends heard about how disappointed Mwijabu Primary School and the surrounding communities had been, they decided to personally take on the project.

Aleema, her father Bashir Jamal, her mother Rozmin Jamal, her uncle Karim Lakhani, and two of her friends, Aliya Haji and Fozia Madhany, arrived in Mombasa this past weekend to deliver and set up the computer equipment, as well as to train select teachers and students in their use.

Prior to their arrival, with the support of the head teacher Mr. Elic Kamau and the School Management Committee, Mwijabu Primary School had already fundraised and strengthened the physical and electrical infrastructure of the room where the computers would be placed.

The Canadian group has expressed their amazement with the level of community involvement and ownership for the Mwijabu Computer Programme, saying:

“They’ve put in more than we have!” with regards to the school’s preparation for the arrival of the computers.

In addition, local well-wishers such as Parin Nurmohamed have stepped forward to offer technical support.

The Canadian trainers indicated that the teachers and upper primary students being trained are quickly picking up computer skills.

After a week of training, these trained teachers and students will be empowered to train their peers and possibly the larger community.

According to Mr. Elic Kamau, the head teacher, the school hopes to get at least one computer connected to the Internet, so that teachers and students can access information and communicate with peers across the world.

There is particular interest in developing a mutually-beneficial learning partnership developing between Mwijabu Primary and Strathcona Tweedsmuir Schools.

A function was held on Thursday, July 4, 2007 to celebrate the start of the Mwijabu Computer Programme in this community.

The guest of honour at the function was the Area MP, the Honourable Ramadhan Seif Kajembe.

Also gracing the function with their presence were the Municipal Education Office Mrs. Triphona Kirongo, the KNUT Executive Secretary Mr. Ahaya Juma Ahaya, and representatives from the Aga Khan Development Network and the Kenya School Improvement Programme.

To the delight of all present, the Area MP announced a donation of one million Kenyan Shillings from the Constituency Development Fund for school infrastructure development.

In this way, the Mwijabu Computer Programme has become an effective catalyst for overall school and community development.

With this energy and commitment, the school will surely attain their vision of the Mwijabu Computer Programme as a means for the technological empowerment and educational improvement of all members of the school, the cluster, and the community at large.

http://www.coastweek.com/3030-05.htm